Steamed Threadfin Teochew Style

Had a singular craving for Teochew steamed fish. Thankfully the girlfriend was totally up for it too. Since we were both beat from a full day at the office, we went to the conveniently located casual and super noisy Chao Shan Cuisine (潮山林) at Phillip Street. We haven't stopped by for a while. Service has always been ho-hum. But orders get taken and food is served fast. No complaints. Importantly, food is pretty good. I'm usually here for its steamed fish. They've turned out fine so far.

There was threadfin tail on the menu. Asked for a whole threadfin (午鱼) to be steamed. The server informed us that the fish weighed about one kilogram. We shrugged and said, "Sure!" Hahaha. We can eat fish. For a reasonable S$55, the threadfin was beautifully steamed. We ate every part. This fish holds so few bones that it's always a pleasure picking out the generous amount of flesh. Tonight was no different. What a treat.

We prudently shared a bowl of rice and happily slurpped up the thinly-sliced bittergourd stir-fried with eggs. The dips of sambal belachan and tau cheong went perfectly with the fish and vegetables. Best sort of light but filling dinner. The mad girlfriend insisted on getting a small bowl of orh nee (潮式芋泥; Teochew yam paste) for dessert. She loves how the restaurant does the orh nee in that slightly more savory than sweet version. I watched her polish off the dessert. She almost licked the bowl clean to get to every last bit of yam paste.

Chao Shan Cuisine (潮山林)
17 Phillip Street
Grand Building #01-01/02 (Ground floor)
Singapore 189694
T: +65 6336 2390 (Reservations necessary; Mandarin-speaking staff.)
Hours: Daily 11am to 2pm; 6pm to 10pm